The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 512

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Youngest Son of the Eun Hae Trading Company Chapter 512

Chapter 512. The Successor (6)

The champion of this Poetry Competition had been decided.
The champion’s name was Mun Jin.
He was one of the five disciples I had hired to commit murder.
And the remaining four disciples had also achieved excellent results.
I offered them my silent condolences.
It was obvious they would soon be dragged before the Emperor and worked to death before long.
The Emperor truly was remarkable.
He was using my request for clemency to line his own pockets.
Of course, that gain wasn’t purely for selfish reasons—it was selfish gain for the public good.
When capable and clever people filled the government, the common people could live in peace.
Besides, they would be bound so tightly that they wouldn’t dare harbor any treacherous thoughts.
The moment they did, it would be execution.
“So, why are you refusing the position of successor?”
Bang Hyo-myung kept seeking me out whenever he had the chance, trying to persuade me to become his successor.
Each time, I politely declined, and I was declining now as well.
“I am grateful that you would consider me as your successor, but no matter how I think about it, I believe that is a title I should not bear.”
“Then what is your reason?”
“I am busy.”
“Busy?”
“Yes. I am far too occupied to have time to polish and refine that title. Though I do handle various matters, as you know, I am a merchant.”
I explained my work to him.
“Besides, there are also tasks the Emperor has entrusted to me.”
“Mm, that is true.”
Being an Imperial Inspector and constantly being assigned various duties.
“How could I possibly find more time in such circumstances? I am only one person, after all….”
“You are busier than I thought.”
“Yes.”
I asked him carefully.
“But why do you not pass that title to your own children?”
“Ah… those ones?”
Bang Hyo-myung explained as if it were of little consequence.
“First of all, they are not the caliber for it.”
“When I saw them before, they seemed quite intelligent.”
“Not as much as you.”
“Still, it does seem favorable for descendants to inherit the name.”
“I also have affection for my blood relatives, so I once asked him directly. Whether he would take my name. But he said he didn’t want to.”
“Why did he refuse?”
“He said it was burdensome.”
“….”
I was utterly dumbfounded.
“Why do you think I wouldn’t find it burdensome?”
“Because you’re a shameless fellow.”
It went beyond dumbfounded—it was downright absurd.
Just then, Geum Ryung-i, nestled in my sleeve, sent a telepathic message.
– Squeak!
Geum Ryung-i. Be quiet.
I stroked Geum Ryung-i’s back, and the creature trembled.
There, now it’s finally quiet.
“I find it burdensome too, though?”
“It’s not burdensome—it’s just annoying for you.”
Gulp!
How did you know?
“Regardless, I believe that if you took my name, you wouldn’t tarnish it.”
“That’s not true.”
I shook my head.
“If I received that name, I would use it freely until it wore away to nothing. I’m quite shameless, after all.”
“You hold grudges.”
“You didn’t know?”
“No, I know well. But I’ve never seen someone who holds grudges actually stab someone in the back.”
That’s true enough.
Anyone with emotions would inevitably harbor resentment.
But to claim with your own mouth that you hold no grudges?
That’s a lie.
“I’m at a loss. What if I keep refusing?”
“….”
Bang Dae-in hesitated, seeming troubled.
And rightfully so—he couldn’t use methods like abduction, imprisonment, or coercion on me.
“You have no way, do you?”
“There is one.”
“Then why do you hesitate?”
Bang Dae-in sighed lightly and spoke.
“I would earnestly petition His Majesty the Emperor, saying that it would be a loss to the nation to leave Eun Seo-ho, the Small Guild Master, as merely a merchant given his exceptional abilities.”
“….”
Cold sweat trickled down my back.
Bang Dae-in was the Minister of Personnel and an official favored by the Emperor.
If he earnestly petitioned the Emperor, the Emperor would pretend to be helpless and grant me the sacred seal.
“The reason I hesitated was simply that if I used that method, you would resent me.”
You understand well.
“The truth is, I want to make you my successor because I don’t see anyone else who can use this as effectively as you. No matter how excellent a tool is, it will rust if left gathering dust in a closet. Excellent tools must be used.”
“….”
“So use my successor’s name freely. I won’t say anything against it. In fact, that’s exactly what I want!”
“….”
With him saying it so earnestly, I couldn’t refuse any longer.
And honestly, the name of Bang Hyo-myung carried considerable weight and usefulness.
The Meat-Loving Duke needed to become more famous anyway.
“I understand.”
“So with my name, the Meat-Loving Duke, there’s nowhere that won’t….”
“I said I understand. I will become your successor.”
“What? Really?”
“Yes. Really.”
“Hahaha! Thank you!”
Was this really something to be so grateful about?
“Honestly, if you’re born into this world, you must leave behind a name! And the best way to leave behind that name is to leave behind a successor who will carry it forward.”
So Bang Dae-in was concerned with such matters too.
“Look forward to it! I’ll create a magnificent seal for you!”
“Why would we need a seal?”
“What are you saying? Without a proper credential seal, do you think people will believe you’re my successor just from words?”
“But people won’t know that the seal indicates the Minister’s successor.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll distribute it throughout all places related to the Ministry of Personnel.”
“….”
How thorough.
In fact, among the places where the Meat-Loving Duke’s name was needed, there were almost none unrelated to the Ministry of Personnel.
In other words, my name would spread throughout the entire Empire….
Was this really alright?
“Let me see… what design would look most impressive.”
He seemed quite delighted that I had accepted becoming his successor.
“I’ll take my leave now.”
“Yes, please go safely.”
After seeing Bang Dae-in off, I returned to the Beijing Branch. Palgap spoke to me with a look of sympathy.
“How many of these do you actually have?”
“I don’t know. I’d rather not count.”
Anyway, the Poetry Competition had ended, but I still hadn’t met Seo Hyang or the Guizhou Provincial Governor since our previous encounter.
He said he was leaving tomorrow.
Sigh, this won’t do.
I need to create a way forward.
As I pondered for a moment, a brilliant idea came to me.

* * *

Magistrate Dong Hui of Guizhou gazed up at the sky.
The moon hung suspended in the heavens.
By tomorrow, he would need to return to Guizhou.
As the Provincial Governor of Guizhou, he could not afford to remain away from his post for long.
With the grand liquor evaluation and poetry competition concluded, there was no longer any reason to linger in Beijing.
He gazed out the window and released a heavy sigh.
“Damn it, that bastard…
Before returning to Guizhou, he had wanted to see his daughter’s face at least once more, but there was an obstacle in his way.
His eldest son, Dong Hyuk-su.
In avoiding his son’s gaze, he had inadvertently been unable to meet with his daughter all this time.
Whether the boy sensed something or not, whenever he stepped outside, Dong Hyuk-su would follow him.
Though he appeared hot-blooded on the surface, there was a keenness to him that demanded caution.
He could not tell him, “Your sister is actually alive.”
Not because he distrusted his son, but because his sons cherished their sister so dearly that he feared the truth of her survival would reach their enemies’ ears.
It was then.
“Dae-in. A letter has arrived.”
As the words were spoken, the door opened and an attendant extended a letter to him.
“Yes. It is from Small Guild Master Eun Seo-ho.”
Dong Hui quickly accepted the letter and unfolded it. A faint smile bloomed across his lips.
“Tell the one who brought this letter that I understand.”
“Yes, understood.”
“And prepare for my departure.”
“Yes.”

A moment later.
As Dong Hui was about to leave the residence, Dong Hyuk-su followed him out.
“Where are you going, sir?”
“Are you planning to escort me again today?”
“Of course.”
“I said it’s not necessary.”
“Please don’t coldly reject this son’s filial devotion.”
“….”
“Sigh, very well.”
Dong Hui shook his head and left the residence, with Dong Hyuk-su following behind him.
And shortly after.
“…!”
Dong Hyuk-su couldn’t hide his bewilderment.
“F-father, where on earth is this place?”
“Where? Can’t you see for yourself?”
“….”
The ornate building ahead bore a plaque reading [Chunmong House].
Indeed, they had come to a pleasure house.
“Why have you come to a pleasure house, sir?”
“Why, is there something wrong with me coming here?”
“Mother would be saddened if she knew.”
“You’re misunderstanding something. This place is famous for its courtesans, yes, but the food here is exceptional.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Let’s go.”
They headed toward the Chunmong House Annex.
A man was waiting for them there.
“Welcome.”
“Have you been waiting long?”
“Not at all.”
Upon seeing Jin Young, Dong Hyuk-su quickly cupped his fist in salute.
“I pay my respects to the Great Hero. I had no idea this gathering was to meet with you, sir.”
“This is a confidential meeting, so I asked that it not be disclosed.”
“I understand.”
Dong Hyuk-su misinterpreted this as the Emperor having arranged the meeting.
It made sense—a confidential gathering involving the Embroidered Uniform Guard Master could only mean one thing.
“So keep this meeting secret.”
“Of course.”
“Still, I’m glad to see you as well. I’ll need to arrange another seat.”
Jin Young pulled the bell cord to summon the Shop Attendant and had an additional place prepared.
“I apologize for the trouble.”
“No, it’s nothing. One more person doesn’t make it difficult.”
Jin Young waved his hand dismissively at the apologetic Dong Hyuk-su and offered them seats.
Then he tilted his teacup while exchanging various pleasantries.
‘Hmm?’
Yet Dong Hyuk-su felt something strange.
Drowsiness kept washing over him, and his eyes were growing heavy.
And finally.
Thud!
His head dropped onto the dining table, and he fell asleep.
Zzz….
Watching this, Jin Young grinned wickedly.
“Indeed, this sedative works remarkably well. Now I can come out.”
At those words, Eun Seo-ho emerged from his hiding place.

* * *

The Chunmong House Annex had one special feature.
It was a hidden alcove in the wall.
The space was large enough to fit two or three people, and it served various purposes.
Knowing of this, I had hidden here with Seo Hyang, and in the meantime, Jin Young Great Swordmaster had slipped a sedative into tea and given it to Young Master Dong Hyuk-su, putting him into a deep sleep.
I bowed to him in gratitude.
“I am grateful for your cooperation, Great Swordmaster.”
“Thanks to you, I was able to preserve my dignity before the Emperor. But how could I not offer such help?”
“Ha ha ha.”
“Besides, you’ve helped me more than once or twice.”
“As I mentioned before, this must remain secret.”
“There’s no question about it.”
With those words, Jin Young Great Swordmaster patted my shoulder and left the separate pavilion.
Now I needed to accomplish the purpose of bringing the Guizhou Poju Master here.
I spoke toward the alcove at the back.
“Please come out.”
Soon, Seo Hyang in male disguise emerged.
The Guizhou Poju Master and Seo Hyang clasped each other’s hands without a word.
How could one describe such tenderness?
After gazing at each other for a long while, the Guizhou Poju Master looked at me and spoke.
“Thank you so much for going to such lengths.”
“You’re too kind. If anything, I should be the one apologizing.”
I continued.
“Next time, we shall visit Guizhou on our end.”
“I would be grateful for that. But the problem is my sons.”
“I’ll handle that matter well. Now, please have your meal.”
Thus, the Guizhou Provincial Governor and Seo Hyang sat across from each other and dined together.
It was truly an intimate meal between father and daughter after a long time.
I stepped out of the Separate Quarters, closed the door, and gazed up at the sky.
Something felt deeply satisfying.
.
.
.
As late March arrived, the essence of spring began to gradually spread across the land.
And thanks to my consistent practice, my Dae-Wol Kingdom language had reached a level where I could communicate adequately.
Yong Min Warrior was quite astonished by this.
“That’s incredibly fast. Are you a genius?”
At his words, I let out a soft chuckle.
“Well, Yong Min Warrior, your speed in learning the Imperial language is also quite remarkable.”
“I’ve been working hard at it.”
He truly lives each day with diligence.
His dedication inspires me as well.
I gazed toward the kiln set up on one side of the Beijing Branch.
There, they were crafting wine bottles for export to foreign lands, including the Dae-Wol Kingdom and the Marae Seo Kingdom.
Go Merchant Lord and the Mudong Merchant Guild Sub-Master worked in perfect harmony, and thanks to their efforts, we were able to create exquisite ceramic bottles.
Indeed, I made the right choice in entrusting the work to Go Merchant Lord.
A favorable wind seemed to be blowing from somewhere.
“Small Guild Master.”
“Yes?”
Just then, Seo Hyang called out to me from behind.
She smiled and expressed her gratitude to me with sincerity.
“I’m truly grateful.”
It was her thanks for arranging the intimate meal with the Guizhou Provincial Governor.
“Were you pleased?”
“Yes, very much so.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
“In truth, I hadn’t expected to be able to share a meal with Father at all.”
“Next time, I’ll arrange for your entire family to gather and dine together.”
“Thank you.”
At her smile, my heart stirred with an unfamiliar flutter.
“Small Guild Master.”
“Yes.”
“Well then, you should get back to work now. There are many pending documents awaiting your approval.”
“….”
But at her following words, my heart sank once more.
Seo Hyang is truly decisive when it comes to work.
We’d been at it for perhaps an hour or two.
Suddenly, I sensed a familiar presence.
What? Why is that aura here… what’s happening?
Moments later, the door burst open and Palgap rushed in.
“Young Master! You have a visitor!”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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